Presented by Robert Clark MP		www.robertclark.net

Good results in HIV/AIDS treatment evaluation report

Independent consultants, Health Outcomes International, have found that patients now have greater access to a wider range of disciplines and services than previously following the relocation of HIV/AIDS and infectious diseases services.

When Fairfield Hospital closed in 1996, HIV/AIDS services were transferred to the Alfred Hospital and infectious diseases were moved to the Royal Melbourne Hospital with the establishment of the Victorian Infectious Diseases Service.

"While the consultants have identified some areas where some more work needs to be done, generally they found that people with HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases are receiving excellent services,"

the Health and Aged Care Minister, Rob Knowles, said.

Hospitalisations for people living with HIV/AIDS have fallen dramatically due to the success of antiretroviral therapy. Some 90% of people living with the disease are now on this treatment.

Antiretroviral therapy has resulted in a significant reduction in the number of AIDS-related deaths and the demand for continuing and palliative care. It has also led to more HIV/AIDS patients being treated in the community rather than hospital, and a reduction in infections and hospital admissions.

Of the estimated 2600 people with HIV/AIDS in Victoria, the Alfred provides services to 1773. Since 1996, 259 new patients have been seen by the service.

The recent growth in community-based clinics at such centres as the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre and clinics at Carlton, Prahran Market and Middle Park have also improved accessibility.

The consultant also found among the Alfred staff a genuine commitment to the provision of high quality services, which together with best-practice policies and a caring culture, are actively seeking to provide quality patient-focused services.

The consultant found that research, education and training were areas in which the Alfred has demonstrated an impressive record, as well as in its contribution to the understanding of the treatment of HIV/AIDS.

The Royal Melbourne and the Alfred have received copies of the report. The Alfred has responded positively to some concerns that were voiced in the report, including the need for:

• Further staff orientation on the sensitivities and issues of HIV/AIDS patient care.
• Further work on multidisciplinary services to HIV/AIDS patients, particularly psychiatric, drug and alcohol and gynaecological services.
• The completion of a new continuing care ward by January next year.
• Further education and support for community-based health providers.

The Minister confirmed that the current method of funding both the HIV/AIDS and infectious diseases services would be continued for the next 12 months.

Mr Knowles said the Human Services Department would investigate other funding formulas over the next year, but said the level of service to people living with HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases would not be diminished.

(News Release, Office of the Minister for Health and Aged Care, June 23, 1999)